By MARTYN WATTERSON
Argentina scored a shock 21-12 victory over New Zealand in Los Angeles yesterday to take out their first International Rugby Board (IRB) rugby sevens title since the series began in the 1999/00 season.
While obviously disappointed with the final result, New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjens was pleased with his teams effort over the two days.
"It was a pretty rugged final but a good tournament for us overall.
"Argentina played very well and deserved the victory."
En-route to the final the South Americans claimed the prized scalp of Fiji with a 33-5 triumph in pool play before dismissing France 17-0 in the quarterfinals.
After battling to an extra-time 17-12 semifinal win over Samoa, they finally added the reigning world champions to their hit list.
At halftime in the final the scores were locked at 7-7 with Liam Messam crossing for New Zealand, but Argentina streaked ahead 21-7 early in the second spell with two converted tries, while New Zealand could only respond with a five-pointer to Bay of Plenty schoolboy Tanerau Latimer.
Tietjens told NZPA the Argetinians competed strongly in the tackled ball area choking New Zealand's efforts to get quick possession to their backs.
Tietjens refused to make any excuses for the upset, saying the 22-0 quarterfinal thumping of England and the nailbiting come-from-behind 15-12 semifinal win over Fiji took its toll.
"We had some battered bodies out there and also lost Amasio Valence in the quarterfinal, but we struck an Argentinian side playing really well,
"They took their opportunities."
Tietjens was pleased the team produced some good results in Los Angeles while managing to blood some younger squad members into finals rugby.
Despite today's result New Zealand still top the IRB sevens rankings on 68 points with four tournaments remaining.
England are second with 52 points, South Africa lie third on 48 with Fiji fourth on 44.
Argentina claim fifth position, six points adrift of Fiji.
In other games England won the Plate final demolishing Canada 55-0, while Australia scraped past Kenya 33-31 in the Bowl final.
The series heads to Hong Kong for the next tournament from March 26-28.
- NZPA
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